Changing Priorities in IT

Over the past decade and a half, businesses across most every industry have become more and more comfortable with – and dependent upon – digital technologies. Because of this, and the ever changing landscape of technological innovation, information technology priorities are constantly changing. Because of the new outlook on cloud computing, in fact, many companies are even looking at reduced spending on their technology infrastructure going into 2016. Rethinking cybersecurity is another measure that falls into the top priority list for the coming year, as many companies are currently relying on “failsafe” models that actually can, and probably will, fail. Lastly, prioritizing speed to market & technology change response times will change the way companies operate in the New Year.

Cloud Computing

The prioritizing of cloud computing in the coming year is based on several benefits that exist, but are not widely exploited. Cloud computing enables businesses to streamline their internal processes. This allows for a larger volume of output, the use of less people to carry out the tasks, and also increases productivity while minimizing personnel training.

Talented people exist all over the world. Cloud computing enables the utilization of a remote workforce. The use of a remote workforce cuts the costs of relocation, transportation, and training. Anyone with an internet connection can access the cloud, therefore, businesses now have the added benefit of accessing talent from anywhere in the world…and that might be just the tip of the iceberg.

Cyber Security

According to the majority of CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers), most companies will face some form of cyber-attack in the next year. The biggest mistake being made today is many companies do not feel they will be targeted. They feel that because they are not in banking or debt, their company may have nothing to offer.

This is naivety.

Every business has something to offer criminals. In fact, some hackers launch these attacks as a hobby. Not being prepared for an attack on any level is a mistake most companies cannot afford to make. However, most companies are not taking the proper precautions when it comes to their cyber security model. Investing in hygiene measures, according to many experts on cyber security, will provide the biggest ROI in regards to defenses against new and/or unknown cyber threats. This model will not only increase IT’s ability to block these attacks, but continues by providing better visibility of cyber-attacks.

Speed to Market & Technology Change Response Times

Standard IT infrastructure, in regards to planning and implementation, avoids commitments that exceed a year to a year and a half scale. Most focus on shorter lifecycle solutions that run smaller scale. However, infrastructure changes, when it comes to service models, development, and the implementation of new technologies, can accelerate speed to market functions.

In order to get ahead, and stay ahead, of competitors, IT companies should altogether avoid standardized IT systems. Adaptive IT means to reallocate system and personnel resources in order to execute changes immediately as new technologies surface. Not holding to a standardized system also assists in addressing the needs of stakeholders faster, allowing for continued service development through reorganization. This form of flexibility continues by allowing teams to switch between projects that require a different pace of development. Some companies are currently adapting these policy shifts, but at a slow pace. Doing so now will leave openings for adapting to technological changes in preparation for the top priorities in IT for 2016.